Our region has many spectacular native, hybrid native, and other plants adapted to local climate and soil conditions. Once established, these plants are low maintenance, water-efficient, need little to no pesticides or fertilizers, and survive well on minimal water. Learn more about how to choose the right plants for your yard’s unique conditions below.
Waterwise Plant Resources
- Water Efficient Plants for the Willamette Valley (PDF) - Looking for that perfect water-efficient plant? Be sure to check out our beautiful plant guide.
- Plantlust.com - Use this site to learn more about whether the plants you would like to include in your garden are waterwise. You can also see which local garden centers have the plants you want in stock.
- Low-Water, High-Appeal Shrubs - Learn about native and climate-adapted shrubs that save water and add beauty to your yard.
Choose Plants that Will Thrive Here
One way to choose plants suited to our region is to use Sunset Climate Zones. These maps use many climate factors to determine which plants will thrive. This includes length of growing season, timing and amount of rainfall, summer highs, winter lows, wind, and humidity. The Portland metro area has a Sunset Climate Zone rating of 6. Plants rated for Sunset Climate Zone 6 are hardy enough to survive temperatures as low as -10°F.
Another way to choose plants adapted to our region is the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. This uses average low temperature data to recommend the type of perennial plants that are most likely to survive. Unlike Sunset Climate Zones, Plant Hardiness Zones do not use any additional climate factors. The Portland metro area has a USDA Plant Hardiness Zone rating between 8a-9a.
Group Plants with Similar Needs
Part of what makes a plant waterwise, regardless of type, is where you plant it and the type of soil it’s planted in. The right plant in the right place is crucial to making it waterwise. Different plants need different amounts of water, sun, and shade to survive. Be sure to learn your yard's different regions, or "microclimates", when planting. Think about direct sunlight/shade, irrigation, established plants, and other landscape elements. Planting the same exact shrub in different parts of your yard could yield completely different results!
Create Watering Zones
Using your yard’s microclimates, look at creating watering zones within your landscape. Inside each zone, all the plants should have the same general watering needs. This will allow you to give each plant the water it requires — not too much or too little. Plus, watering zones reduce the time and effort needed to maintain your garden. Bonus tip: if you hand-water, put the plants that need the most water closest to your hose bib. That way you won't have to pull the hose too far to water them!
Water the Right Amount
On average, we recommend watering your lawn about an inch a week during the summer. You may need a bit more water during hot, dry spells and a bit less during the wetter, cooler spring and fall. Use the Weekly Watering Number to find out how much water you need based on weather conditions in your area.
Trees, shrubs, and perennials usually need deep, infrequent watering. Because of this, it's best to check with local nurseries, Master Gardeners, or extension programs to find out how and when to water.